While running recently, I listened to a recording of the Book of Nehemiah. It takes about 9 ½ kilometers to listen to the whole book (unless I skip some of the genealogical parts).
Two things jumped out at me. First, Nehemiah confesses that “God put on his heart” the call to rebuild the wall of the devastated city of Jerusalem. It wasn’t something he thought of or planned; it was God’s idea.
Second, Nehemiah paints a picture of how the people worked side by side toward a common goal. Next to one another, they accomplished a nearly impossible task.
Along with its thousands of frontline volunteers, financial supporters, and prayer warriors, Prison Fellowship is on a mission to rebuild communities that, like the ancient city of Jerusalem when its walls were destroyed, have no peace and security. By serving prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families with the transformative love and truth of Jesus Christ, we will once again see safety and tranquility established in places ravaged by crime and incarceration.
This is not a mission that we have undertaken of our own accord. God has called His people to remember prisoners and their families and be part of their complete restoration. Nor is it a mission we undertake as individuals. If we are to succeed, we must work shoulder to shoulder. Will you work next to us as we do what God has put on our hearts?